Mentor Advice
Question
Who should I talk to or report if I feel I am being discriminated? How do I handle the situation?
2 Replies from Mentors
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MarieSenior Year StudentLoyola Marymount UniversityTalk to the director/other administrator of your program (the one in the city in which you’re studying).
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AmeliaSenior Year StudentUniversity of California, Los AngelesYou may be surprised that discrimination is not taken as seriously abroad as it is in the U.S. Therefore, I recommend an open mind when travelling abroad--although nearly 75% of the world's population now lives in cities where people are more exposed to other races and other cultures/beliefs, there still exists a huge element of the "unknown." You, as the traveller, expect to see the kinds of people you see because you chose to travel to that place (i.e. if you chose to travel to Morocco, you'd expect to see Moroccans); however, you cannot apply the reverse to them (i.e. Moroccans don't expect to see people like you all of the time). You may be intriguing, interesting, different, odd, funny-looking, bizarre, beautiful, or any number of characteristics to them, so discrimination may not be always what it seems. Always be patient and respectful because you don't want to cause a scene or demand attention just because you feel unjustified. This is your chance to explain to them where you come from and who you are, so shine!